ADI introduces new museum pass program in Appleton

APPLETON - Appleton Downtown Inc. will offer a new program encouraging the public to explore downtown Appleton and riverfront museums at a discounted rate. Museums of Appleton Pass (M.A.P.) is on sale now and will continue until the end of August.

M.A.P. provides admission to museums in Appleton, packaged into one pass. For $27, ticket holders can explore six museums. The pass is valid for seven consecutive days and includes admission to Appleton Historical Society Museum, The Building For Kids Children’s Museum, Hearthstone Historic House Museum, Paper Discovery Center, The Trout Museum of Art and Wisconsin Museum of International Wildlife.

“The new M.A.P. acts as your guide from museum to museum. It allows you to plan your own adventure through the arts, history and imagination at each venue,” says Lynn Schemm, ADI’s marketing director. “It is perfect for families looking for activities during the summer months and even a fun getaway activity for couples and friends.”

M.A.P. sales will be available online only at www.appletondowntown.org.

For more information, contact Lynn Schemm, Appleton Downtown Inc., at 920-954-9112 or lynn@appletondowntown.org

Octoberfest seeks volunteers for 37th annual event

APPLETON - Octoberfest, an event of the Fox Cities Chamber, is in need of volunteers for Sept. 29. Staff wanted includes bar managers, specifically for the 2-5:30 p.m. shift, bartenders and check-in staff.

Each volunteer will receive a special T-shirt as a “thank you” for dedicating his or her time and an invitation to the year-end volunteer party.

For more information and to sign up, visit octoberfestonline.org/volunteer.

Railroad museum hosts Day Out with Thomas

GREEN BAY - Thomas the Tank Engine will be featured at Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018, arriving at the National Railroad Museum June 13-17.

Day Out with Thomas provides children the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends themed activities. Families can take a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy Thomas-themed activities including crafts, photo ops and more.

Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every 45 minutes. Departure times begin at 9:15 a.m., ending at 4:45 p.m. Museum hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the event.

Tickets are $19 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply). Purchase online at www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 866-468-7630

The National Railroad Museum is located at 2285 S. Broadway. For more information, contact the National Railroad Museum at 920-437-7623 or www.nationalrrmuseum.org.

Richeson75 reception open to public

Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture opening reception will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 15 at the Richeson School of Art & Gallery, 557 Marcella St., Kimberly. This event is free and open to the public.

This bi-annual show will have you exploring the dense forests, concrete jungles and vast oceans. Representing a plethora of two-dimensional mediums, the 2018 Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture Competition the gallery showcases these top 75 works of art submitted by artists from around the world.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available during the reception.

Annual Butterfly Festival supports child abuse prevention

Parent Connection, a program of Family Services, will host the 10th annual Butterfly Festival June 16 to support child abuse prevention in the Fox Cities. The celebration will be 9 a.m. to noon at City Park in downtown Appleton.

The event will feature family activities including face painting and crafts, inflatable activities, a kids’ experience zone, butterfly demonstrations and raffle items. Families can also gather around the main stage to watch student performances and listen to live music. The highlight of the event will happen at 11:45 a.m., when attendees release more than 1,000 butterflies representing Parent Connection’s dedication to “Helping Families Fly!”

Last year’s butterfly festival drew more than 1,600 people to City Park and raised more than $52,000 to support families in the Fox Valley. Over the past nine years, the event has raised more than $395,000. To attend, register online at familyservicesnew.org. Family pass tickets will be available until noon June 15, but can also be purchased at the door.

For more information, contact Patricia Heeg at 920-436-4360, ext. 1242 or pheeg@familyservicesnew.org.

Mosquito Hill hosts owl program for families

Children and parents can learn about and see live owls during a program 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. June 17 at Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London.

Meet two live owls, one large and one small, and learn about the differences between them, what they eat and how much they can consume.